Archbishop Dolan declares ‘Sweet Victory’ as Cardinal Rigali delivers on World Series bet

Archbishop Dolan and Cardinal Rigali meet at the U.S. Bishops assembly in Baltimore. Credit: Emily Marlow

Baltimore, Md., Nov 17, 2009 / 08:11 pm (CNA).- Fulfilling his part of a wager on the outcome of the World Series, Archbishop of Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali on Monday presented a case of Tastykakes pastries to Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ annual meeting in Baltimore.

The two prelates had bet on the outcome of the World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees. The Yankees won the series four games to two.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia reported that Cardinal Rigali also sent a letter to Archbishop Dolan.

“Congratulations, my good friend, on the New York Yankees' Game 6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies which made you the winner of our spirited World Series wager,” Cardinal Rigali wrote to Archbishop Dolan. “Though I had planned to enjoy your New York bagels with Philadelphia Cream Cheese after another Phillies World Championship, the loss of our wager stings a little less knowing that the forthcoming Tastykake gift package is going to you and how much you will enjoy the taste of Philadelphia.”

“Since a talented nucleus is returning for the Phillies next season, I join so many in Philadelphia in already looking forward to next season and a possible rematch with you!”

Archbishop Dolan responded to Cardinal Rigali at his blog “The Gospel in the Digital Age.” In an entry titled “Sweet Victory,” he said:

“Today, at the meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, my good friend, Justin Cardinal Rigali, graciously made good on our World Series wager. Victory never tasted so good!”